Do I need permission?

You need to apply for planning permission for most building work. New structures will generally need planning permission, but extensions, demolitions, and works to protected trees may also require planning permission.

Complying with building regulations and obtaining planning permission are separate matters, so if you have planning permission, you also need to check whether you need building regulations approval. For more information about the Building Control Regulations, please see our Building Control pages.

Common planning applications

The majority of building work requires planning permission. If you are planning a home improvement project, it is likely you will need to submit a planning application.

The government provides guidance on what work requires a planning application. To check if your project needs planning permission, please see the Planning Portals online guidance.

Slough Borough Council also offers a pre-application advice service to help your proposal get planning permission. Pre-application advice allows a planning officer to informally consider your planning application before it is formally submitted.

Permitted development

Some projects do not require planning permission. They are what is called ‘permitted development’.

If you are planning an extension to your house, this may be permitted development. Please note that permitted development rights only apply to houses, and do not exist for flats or maisonettes.

If you wish to build an extension under the permitted development rights, you may wish to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness. This shows that your development is a permitted development.

More information about permitted development can be found on our guidance page on the changes to permitted development rights for household extensions.

Please note that some houses are under a restrictive planning condition. This removes the right to build under permitted development, and means you would need to apply for planning permission if you wish to extend your house.

In addition to Planning Permission, there are other laws and permissions that affect building work. The following permissions should also be checked before you start work:

Covenants and private rights

Rights of way

Ancient monuments

Licensed sites

Protected species

The Party Wall Act.

Please note some of these laws and permissions are not related to planning matters. As such, the council is unable to assist with enquires relating to them. Advice on the above can be found on the planning portal website.

If you have any doubt about what permission you need, please contact us for advice before starting work: